On 15 March 2024 the Konkani Community Association UK (KCA UK) gathered more than 600 members of the Konkani diaspora at The Wythenshawe Forum in Manchester to observe the 22nd Monthi Fest, a feast honouring the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the blessing of the new harvest known as Novem.
Families travelled from Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sunderland, Dublin and other corners of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The event unfolded under the theme “Stewards of Planet Earth,” a concept that shaped décor, food service and waste‑management practices throughout the day.
The programme opened with the veneration of Infant Mary and a floral tribute led by children chanting the traditional Konkani hymn “Moriek Hogolxieam.” Fr Jason Pias, a Capuchin priest from St Anthony’s Church in Bannur, Puttur, celebrated Holy Mass while pursuing doctoral research in Germany. Gina Menezes offered reflections, Shalma Fernandes read a passage, and Fr Pias delivered a homily that highlighted Mother Mary’s role in family life and urged the faithful to recognise divine blessings.
A procession of fruits, vegetables, bread and wine symbolised the harvest’s abundance. The KCA UK choir, directed by Stan Mendonca with support from Ajith Peter D’Souza and Mukesh Kannan, led the congregation in Konkani hymns. Bishop Mark Davis of the Diocese of Shrewsbury granted permission for the Mass at the venue.
After Mass, participants shared Novem Jevon – blessed milk and a homemade cake prepared by Jyothi Mendonca. The cultural segment, hosted by Praveen Mendonca and Mackly Figreda, featured dances choreographed by Sonal Mendonca, Sinol Mendonca and Neil Lasrado, with performances by children from Dublin and local schools.
KCA UK President Sujith Rodrigues opened the gathering, calling for stronger unity and cooperation. Vice‑President Joseph Santhosh Sequeira, Treasurer Ronald Lobo, General Secretary Lawrence Vinod Barboza, Cultural Secretary Sonal Mendonca and Communications Coordinator Vinjoy Rego were also present, alongside representatives from MUKA and NEKA. A vegetarian Mangalorean lunch, organised by Martin Saldanha, Jyothi Mendonca and Ronald Lobo, concluded the day, reinforcing the environmental theme through a dedicated waste‑reduction initiative.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf